NTPC's Rs 16.86 Lakh Crore Bet on India's Growing Power Demand

India’s growing power demand is pushing NTPC toward one of its biggest expansion plans. The power major plans to invest Rs 16.86 lakh crore by FY37.

The company expects the growing power demand to support major capacity additions over the next decade. NTPC aims to increase its operating capacity from about 91 GW today.

It targets 149 GW of generation capacity by 2032, including 60 GW from renewable energy. By 2037, NTPC aims to reach 244 GW, excluding storage.

NTPC Chairman and Managing Director Gurdeep Singh announced the plans at the company’s 50th Annual General Meeting. Gurdeep Singh said the next decade will be one of the most important growth periods in NTPC’s history. He expects India’s electricity needs to rise as the economy grows.

The company’s Rs 16.86 lakh crore capital expenditure will cover several energy segments:

• Thermal power
• Hydropower
• Pumped storage
• Renewable energy
• Battery storage
• Coal mining
• Nuclear power

The investment will support NTPC’s expansion beyond conventional power generation. The company is also developing capabilities across the wider energy value chain.

Nuclear Power Becomes a Major Growth Focus

Nuclear energy is becoming an important part of NTPC’s long-term strategy. The company aims to secure a 30 percent share of the government’s planned 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047. This target comes under the Nuclear Energy Mission.

NTPC is developing a 2.8 GW nuclear project in Rajasthan with Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). The company is also exploring standalone nuclear projects. Studies and discussions are progressing for 34 additional sites across 13 states.

Singh said nuclear power will complement renewable and thermal generation. It can provide reliable, low-carbon electricity around the clock.

Also Read: Hydrogen Storage Innovations Are Driving India's Clean Energy Push

NTPC Advances Synthetic Natural Gas Project

NTPC is also progressing with its coal gasification-based synthetic natural gas project. The project will have a capacity of 5.75 lakh tonnes per annum. Once operational, it is expected to become India’s first plant of its kind.

The project will directly substitute imported natural gas. It also supports NTPC’s broader strategy to strengthen the energy value chain. The company reported strong financial results for FY26.

Key financial highlights:

• Consolidated Profit After Tax reached Rs 27,546 crore.
• Profit After Tax increased 15 percent from the previous year.
• Group EBITDA rose to Rs 60,564 crore.
• Group net worth reached around Rs 2.03 lakh crore.

NTPC’s expansion plan covers conventional power, renewables, storage, nuclear energy, mining, and gas alternatives. The strategy comes as India prepares for a major rise in electricity consumption.